Whitman Expo
1852 Wass, Molitor & Co. 5 Dollar Gold MS Large Head, K-2 Values
Details
The so-called Large Head $5, or Kagin-2, appears to be the first coin issued by Wass, Molitor & Co., starting on January 6th, 1852. It is of a very different style than the Kagin-1, and is unquestionably the work of Albrecht Kuner. Interestingly, it shares the “1852” number punches and overall engraving style with the 1852 Moffat $10s issued by the Assay Office at around the same time. Around a dozen pieces are known in private hands, with a single mint state specimen as finest known. Any coin grading XF or higher is a member of the condition census.
Obverse: Liberty Head with short neck and W.M. & Co. on diadem, 1852, 13 stars around
Reverse: Federal Eagle FIVE DOLLARS.IN CALIFORNIA GOLD.
Mint & Coinage Details
Mint Location:
San Francisco
Mintage:
Approx. 12 known
Coinage Type:
Private & Pioneer Gold
Coinage Years:
1852-1855
Composition:
Gold
Varieties and Classification
Variety:
Wass, Molitor & Co.
Variety 2:
Large Head, K-2
Rarity:
R-H6
Physical Characteristics
Strike Type:
Business
Coin Shape:
Round
Design Details
Obverse Lettering:
W.M. & Co., 1852
Reverse Lettering:
FIVE DOLLARS.IN CALIFORNIA GOLD.
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